Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR revealed

Volkswagen has revealed its ultimate track weapon, the Golf GTI TCR, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original GTI which hit showrooms back in 1976.

The German brand has built a total of 20 machines for the TCR International Series, a touring car racing competition made specifically for four-door hatches.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that is also found in the Golf R but with power increased to to 243kW and 410Nm, a 37kW and 30Nm bump over the Golf R.

The TCR sits on 18-inch racing rims and its chassis is about 40 centimetres wider than the production Golf.

VW has also added a large carbon fibre rear wing, aerodynamic front splitter and racing seats with head protectors and safety cage.

Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. Photo: Supplied

Volkswagen's director of motorsport, Jost Capito, said "The Golf GTI TCR allows customer sports teams to partake in reasonably-priced motorsport with a Volkswagen.

"Furthermore, the teams can expand their motorsport commitments in numerous TCR championships, both at national and international level."

The German brand is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the GTI by releasing the road going GTI Clubsport.

The Clubsport which was first previewed at last year's annual Worthesee tuning festival in Austria and later at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show is due to go on sale in Australia this year.

Like the TCR, it has a more grunt under the bonnet, with power raised up from 162kW in the standard GTi to 195kW with a 10 per cent overboost function lifting it to 215kW, making it the most powerful Golf to wear the GTI badge.